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Keeneland Concours
2007 d'Elegance
The fourth annual Keeneland Concours
d'Elegance event was another Winning Bet. Again there were one
hundred invitation only cars displayed on the beautiful and historic
Keeneland Race Course properties. Keeneland Race Course has been
home of Thoroughbreds and Horsepower since 1936. Keeneland is
located in the heart of the Bluegrass region, in Lexington, Kentucky.
The Concours d'Elegance offers a different kind of Thoroughbred.
This years thoroughbreds included such prestigious m akes
as Duesenberg, Bentley, Packard, Cadillac, Lincoln, Auburn, Cord and
Lexington. As a tribute to the Lexington Automobile company, the
remaining known Lexington's were proudly displayed on the Show Grounds. The
Horsepower came from this years featured marquee, Jaguar. Jaguars
were proudly displayed in there own paddock. This years special
guest was Bob Tullius, the legendary Jaguar Racer. Bob was the
founder and is a former member of the Group 44 racing team. Bob's
Group 44 team is responsible for Jaguars return to successful racing
and gathering many international wins.
One hundred Concours automobiles were thoroughly inspected by a well
trained staff of judges. The Keeneland judges receive mandatory
training in order to maintain a fair and consistent standard. The
entries compete for Class, Peoples Choice and Best of Show trophies
that are sponsored by some of the local thoroughbred farms in the
region. The big winner of this event is the Children's Hospital of
Kentucky. A large portion of the shows proceeds go to this wonderful
organization.
Adding to the collection of thoroughbred cars, there were actually
two judg ed events this year, The Keeneland Concours and as a
bonus, the Classic Car Club of America's (CCCA) "Grand Classic
Event". The CCCA's event featured Classic Cars produced from
1925-1948. Along with the Concours, the show offers an Automobile
Art tent where the artist and their works are available. The
beautiful art, originals and numbered prints are offered for sale.
Food, don't worry about food, there is plenty to eat and drink. The
show offers a unique parking situation. If you are driving a car of
Special Interest you are directed to a preferred parking area in
a grassy paddock that backs up to the Concours. There is also Car Club
parking in a shaded park like area. The Special Interest and Car
Club parking make for practically another show. The award ceremony
is well thought out just like the entire event. The ceremony is a
very professional and entertaining presentation. Along with the
judged Concours event, there are planned road tours along with a
black Tie Gala for the exhibitors.
An acquaintance of mine and one of the judges, Doug Rood, recommended the
event and I am certainly glad that he did. The Keeneland Concours is
a Class Act. It is hard to believe that this show is only four years
young. The 2008 Concours d'Elegance will be moved to mid July in
order to
better assist Concours car owners with their busy show schedules. To
view a few photo's from the show visit our
Keeneland Photo Gallery. To view
more photo's visit the official Keeneland Concours website.
www.keenelandconcours.com
August 2007
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